West Chester University of Pennsylvania Adds New Student Housing Facility

EdR (NYSE:EDR), one of the largest owners, developers and managers of collegiate housing in the U.S., recently announced construction of a new student housing development on South New Street on the campus of the West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU).

EdR, one of the largest owners, developers and managers of collegiate housing in the U.S., recently announced construction of a new student housing development on South New Street on the campus of the West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU).

The $57.5 million investment will be the company’s 19th collegiate development within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and, according to Student Housing Planet, it will replace the former Sanderson Hall, which was demolished two years ago.

With a completion date set for the summer of 2014, Commonwealth Hall will offer a range of single units to shared-living suites for up to six residents totaling 653 beds. Other amenities featured in the eight-story development project include a fitness center, study lounges and a full residence life program, while the building’s ground floor will be occupied by WCU’s Student Health Services, Counseling Center and Emergency Medical Services.

Jointly designed by Voith & Mactavish Architects of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh-based WTW Architects and built by lead contractor P. Agnes Construction, Commonwealth Hall is part of WCU’s Housing Renewal Initiative that kicked off in 2001 to renovate student housing in all five residences on the university’s campus. The new building’s design will be similar to Allegheny and Brandywine Halls, two residential facilities on the WCU campus that were designed by Voith & Mactavish Architects.

Commonwealth Hall is expected to balance out the lack of student housing inventory WCU is experiencing as more than 20,000 prospective students apply each year at the university.